Justin Baldoni’s former publicist sues ‘It Ends With Us’ director’s team, alleging attempts to undermine her amid Blake Lively drama

In a dramatic turn of events, Justin Baldoni’s former publicist is suing the director amid the ongoing controversy involving Blake Lively. The latest revelation sheds light on claims of reputation damage linked to their professional relationship, with allegations that disloyal employees initiated a smear campaign against Lively, who recently accused Baldoni of sexual harassment.

Stephanie Jones, a prominent publicist with a roster that includes celebrities like Tom Brady and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, asserts that her standing in the industry has suffered due to her connection with Baldoni. Her lawsuit names ex-employees Jennifer Abel and Melissa Nathan, accusing them of plotting against her, poaching her clients, and harming her professional image.

Following the fallout from allegations regarding Baldoni’s conduct during the filming of It Ends With Us, Jones entrusted Abel with managing his publicity. After the allegations gained traction, Abel enlisted Nathan, a crisis management expert, and together they allegedly conspired to undermine Jones both publicly and privately. Jones’ lawsuit paints a picture of betrayal, claiming that Abel and Nathan worked behind her back to craft a damaging narrative aimed at both her and Lively while simultaneously attempting to woo Baldoni away as a client.

The lawsuit details Abel and Nathan’s coordinated effort with Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios to launch an aggressive media campaign against Lively, while falsely attributing blame to Jones. The disgruntled former publicists purportedly exchanged derogatory messages about Baldoni, with Abel referring to him as “cringy” and expressing doubts about his appeal as a leading man.

In a striking juxtaposition, Lively’s own legal actions have recently surfaced. She filed a ten-claim complaint with the California Civil Rights Department accusing Baldoni and others involved in It Ends With Us of sexual harassment, combined with a deliberate strategy to tarnish her image. These grievances include inappropriate comments about her appearance and disputes over the film’s marketing approach, illustrating a rift that extended beyond mere professional differences.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these interconnected lawsuits will impact the careers and reputations of all parties involved. The fallout from this scandal has implications not just for Baldoni and Lively but for the wider Hollywood landscape, where reputations can be irreparably damaged in the blink of an eye.